We dry in silence, and when Jared reaches for me, I grip his hand while my emotions skyrocket. It’s like all his pain is transferred in that small touch. We walk to his room, and with each step, his features continue to tighten.

Once we’re in his room, Jared strips off the rest of his clothes. He’s standing still, holding the key in his hand. He’s lost in his thoughts, and pain tears through me as tears roll down his face. I’m frozen, broken, as my chest threatens to ...